The Kyrgyz opposition assumed control of the government Thursday after protesters stormed government buildings and President Askar Akayev reportedly fled the country following days of demonstrations.

Hours after Mr. Akayev was said to have fled and his prime minister, Nikolai Tanayev, resigned, the Kyrgyz parliament appointed former opposition lawmaker Ishenbai Kadyrbekov acting president. The parliament also appointed opposition leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev acting prime minister and asked him to form an interim government.

Officials say the parliament plans to reconvene Friday.

Shortly after the protesters seized the Kyrgyz presidential compound in Bishkek, looting broke out across the capital. Newly-appointed Interior Minister Felix Kulov, who was freed by opposition protesters on Thursday, vowed to restore order. Thursday's developments follow days of protests against what the opposition says were rigged parliamentary elections.